Richard DeMaio

August 28, 1951 ~ July 8, 2026

Newburgh, NY

Richard “Richie” DeMaio, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, died on July 8, 2026, from heart failure.

Richie was born on August 28,1951, in East Harlem, NewYork City, in the loving embrace of his extended Italian American family. The son of the late Michael DeMaio and Victoria Napoli.

Richie attended St. Ann’s Catholic school on Gun Hill Road and graduated from Evander Childs High School in the Bronx in 1970. He went on to earn a B.A. in English Literature from Herbert H. Lehman College. It was then Richie discovered his passion for teaching. With a heart full of love for children, he dedicated twenty-one years to shaping young minds. He taught second and fifth graders at Holy Cross Catholic School in the Bronx from 1987-2008. His impact was profound and his legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives he touched.

Richie is survived by his brother Mike “Red” DeMaio (wife Ruth), his firsts cousins, Lenny Golino (wife Virginia), Dom Golino (wife Pam), Angela Giovaniello, Nicky DeMaio (wife Evelyn); his nephews Michael DeMaio and

Dominic DeMaio O.P. and nieces Emily Bautista, Emily Fromm and Christina Leitz; his grand-nephews Jonathan, Christopher, Michael and Andrei; and grand-nieces, Lucy and Claudia; and many other beloved family members.

Richie is remembered by his family and friends as a quiet and loving presence. He had a gentle spirit, sense of humor, lover of cats and fishing, and was always eager for any chance to be with family and friends. We will cherish the memories of times we shared with him.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Richie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 2855 St Theresa Ave, Bronx NY 10461. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a man with faith in God whose boundless love will be “Forever in our hearts.”

In honor of Richie’s love for children, donations can be made to Save the Children, an organization close to his heart.